Ripon Grammar School, Clotherholme Road, Ripon, HG4 2DG

Client: North Yorkshire County CouncilSize: 720m2

In Spring 2014 Extraspace Solutions (UK) Ltd. were appointed as the Principal Contractor by North Yorkshire County Council for the Construction of a new 2 storey Modular Building classroom block and glazed ground floor link to the existing 6th Form building, complete with all associated site works at Ripon Grammar School, Clotherholme Road, Ripon, HG4 2DG. The extension comprised of classrooms, offices, stores & WCs.

The Project at Ripon involved the demolition of existing structures, preparation of significant ground works and the installation and handover of a new 720m2 two storied sixth form block. The building is supported on a 500mm thick reinforced concrete raft foundation slab. This foundation solution was adopted due to the potential formation of gypsum voids which are common in Ripon. The raft slab was designed to span over 5.0m voids without any movement or damage to the building above.

Once this design element was achieved it was all guns ahead in the achievement of planning and the subsequent delivery of the 8 classroom school and associated facilities.

The external finish blends brick and cedar wood in a fusion that offers a modern look that is sympathetic to its environment.

This new building provides maturing students with the environment required to facilitate their passage beyond the school environment.

Speaking on completion of the Project, School Headmaster Martin Pearman stated that: 'The Project has been a great success. Delivered on time and to a very high standard. Extraspace were incredibly accommodating and nothing was too much trouble. There were many last minute changes to the detailed construction but all this handled professionally and very willingly. I would be very happy to work with Extraspace again in the future. I am delighted with the end product'